News

Update to NHS Mail and the Data Protection Security Toolkit (DSPT)

All organisations with NHS Mail accounts are required to complete the Data Security & Protection Toolkit (DSPT) on an annual basis. Although waivers were previously applied due to the pandemic, from 1 July 2021 all optometry contractors applying for an NHS Mail account have been required to complete the DSPT.  Contractors have a full 12 …

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20 September 2021

New urgent eyecare pathway for Milton Keynes

From 28th August 2021, the pathway for referral of urgent cases in MK is the BLMK Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES). This service provides urgent assessment and treatment for recent and sudden onset eye problems, for children and adults registered with a GP in Bedfordshire, Luton or Milton Keynes. A new urgent & emergency eyecare …

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27 August 2021

NHS staff self-isolation and return to work following COVID-19 contact

Public Health England has issued updated guidance on NHS staff self-isolation and return to work following COVID-19 contact. Read the full guidance here.

15 August 2021

Annual GOS complaints survey

If you’re a GOS contractor, you’ll need to complete the annual GOS complaints survey by 11:59pm on Friday 3 September. Visit NHSBSA for more information. The 2019/20 GOS complaints submission was paused due to Covid-19, however it will be open in conjunction with the 2020/21 submission which will run from 26 July 2021 until 3 September 2021. Under GOS regulations 2008, contractors are …

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11 August 2021

MHRA issues advice on PPE and heat stress

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in warm/hot environments increases the risk of heat stress. This occurs when the body is unable to cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature. Heat stress can cause heat exhaustion and lead to heat stroke if the person is unable to cool down. Measures to control the temperature of clinical …

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6 August 2021

College updates its Amber phase guidance

The College of Optometrists has updated its Amber phase COVID-19 guidance . Their position remains clear – practices should continue to remain open for routine services while prioritising patients on a needs and symptoms-led basis. Optometrists and other practice staff should continue to maintain comprehensive infection prevention and control procedures, including the wearing of appropriate PPE …

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25 July 2021

Reviewed guidance on PPE/IPC

The College of Optometrists, ABDO, the AOP and FODO have issued guidelines on appropriate infection prevention and control measures following recent government announcements. They advise that optical practices should continue to follow the College’s Amber guidance. On 19th July, practices should therefore continue to: follow current IPC guidance, including PPE ensure social distancing remains in …

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14 July 2021

Changes to how primary care staff access lateral flow devices for asymptomatic testing

The way that NHS staff across all primary care contractor groups (medical, dental, optometry and community pharmacy) order lateral flow device (LFD) tests is changing. From 5th July 2021, all NHS staff will be able to order tests directly through the government lateral flow ordering portal and have these delivered to their home addresses. This update …

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3 July 2021

Vacancy for LOC secretary

This interesting position has become available as the present holder is retiring from the role. It provides a rare opportunity to continue the development of optical services in Bucks and Milton Keynes.   The position consists of management and secretarial support to the Local Optical Committee (LOC), including communication between the LOC and NHS England, …

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30 June 2021

Cataract waiting times

Waiting time for cataract surgery at Stoke Mandeville Hospital is currently 14 weeks from referral to surgery. Most cataract operations now take place in the standalone cataract theatre. Watch a virtual tour of the cataract theatre and the patient journey. Go to our Bucks Referrals page for more information about all referrals in the Bucks …

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28 June 2021